Molecular Motors Functions and Types

Molecular motors are the molecular makers based of protein that carry out intracellular movements in response to particular stimuli.

Functions of Molecular Motors

1. Transport of synaptic vesicles including neurotransmitters from the afferent neuron body to synaptic terminal
2. Role in cell division (mitosis and meiosis) by pulling the chromosomes
3. Transport of infections and toxins to the interior of the cell for its own hinderance.

Types of Molecular Motors

Molecular motors are categorized into 3 extremely households:1. Kinesin 2. Dynein 3. Myosin.

1. Kinesin Kinesin transportations substances by moving over the microtubules. Each kinesin molecule has 2 heads and a tail part. Among the heads hydrolyses ATP to acquire energy By using this energy, the other head swings constantly triggering movement of the entire kinesin molecule End part of the tail brings the freight (substances to be carried). Kinesin is accountable for anterograde transport (transport of substances to the positive end of microtubule).
2. Dynein Dynein is nearly much like kinesin and transports substances by moving over the microtubules. However, it is accountable for retrograde transport (transport of substances to the negative end of microtubule).
3. Myosin Myosin transports substances by moving over micro filaments. Myosins are categorized into 18 types according to the amino acid series. Nevertheless, myosin II and V are functionally considerable. Myosin II is associated with muscle contraction Myosin V is associated with transport of vesicles.